Cain: 'I've been through hell'

KALAMAZOO, Mich., and WASHINGTON -- Herman Cain stayed defiant today, boasting that he and his presidential campaign are stronger than ever.

"You all don't know how encouraging this is," Cain said of the warm reception he received from about 300 supporters who packed an event here. "You know, over the past couple of weeks, it's probably not politically correct to say, but you know, I didn't take a political correctness class, so I'm going to say it. Over the last couple of weeks, I've been through hell. Now here's the good news: it didn't kill me or slow us down one bit. You wanna know why? The reason is because the reaction from supporters has been overwhelming."

Cain's campaign says it has raised $9 million since Oct. 1, doubling its entire third-quarter haul. $2.3 million came just in the last 10 days as he has fought to fend off multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

"That's what this election is all about: taking back the American Dream, because it has been hijacked, and we want it back," Cain said. "Some of my staff say, 'Hijacking is a very strong word. You shouldn't say that.' Why shouldn't I say that? 'It's not politically correct.' Remember, I didn't go to political correctness school. That's not my forte. That's not my forte -- political correctness."

Cain came under more criticism during and following last night's debate for describing current House Minority Leader and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as "Princess Nancy." Cain apologized after the debate for making the comment, but when asked why he was apologizing, he said, "So you all could stop asking me about it, OK?"